Corrosion Behavior of 7A52 Aluminum Alloy Plasma Arc Welding Joint in Simulated Marine Atmosphere Environment

Abstract

Corrosion behavior of 7A52 aluminum alloy plasma arc welding (PAW) joint was investigated in simulation of marine atmosphere environment with salt water spray test. The surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the effect of corrosion time on corrosion behavior was discussed. The depth of spot corrosion, the corrosion dynamic characteristics, and the distribution of element of 7A52 aluminum alloy welding joint were analyzed by 3D and XRD Microscope. Results show that pitting corrosion is main morphology in heat effect zone at initial stage, pitting corrosion appears in matrix and welding joint with time. The main component compounds existing in the film include Al and O. The depth of pitting corrosion in the heat effect region is the maximum (3.008μm). The law of power function is followed in both phases of the corrosion weight increasing curve, and the corrosion rate decreases with time.